Beverage tasting vessel with aerating ridges and agitating ribs

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a stackable, recyclable, plastic beverage tasting vessel, preferably used for tasting wine. The vessel comprises a bottom portion and a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion and terminating in an open top having an outwardly extending rim. The rim comprises a curved portion with a plurality of radially extending ridges for aerating the beverage, an angled edge portion for directing the beverage to the top of a taster&#39;s tongue, and a curved pouting lip portion for directing the beverage to the sides and under a taster&#39;s tongue. The vessel further comprises a raised portion or dome formed in the bottom of the vessel and projecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel, and a platform portion formed on a portion of the raised portion. The vessel further comprises at least one radially projecting rib integral with the interior surface of the side wall and positioned opposite the platform portion. The platform portion and the rib are designed to maximize the mixing of the beverage inside the vessel. The vessel may also comprise a magnifier panel, textured panel, lid, and other features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a beverage tasting vessel. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a stackable, stemless,omnivarietal, recyclable, disposable plastic beverage vessel designedfor tasting and examining wine, coffee, tea, and other beverages. Thevessel of the present invention through a unique design, combines intoone device all the sense enhancing features necessary for tasting andexamining all varieties of wines and other beverages. The vesselcomprises a uniquely designed rim for tasting and aerating the beveragein the vessel, a uniquely designed raised hollow dome portion forholding, viewing, and portion measuring the beverage contained in thevessel, and a uniquely designed bottom platform portion and rib systeminside the bottom of the vessel to facilitate mixing the beveragesufficiently to enable the bouquet or smell of the beverage to bereleased while in the vessel.

In the art of wine tasting, prior to tasting the wine, it is desirableto swirl a small amount of wine, typically less than one ounce, in avessel to circulate the esters and release the bouquet or fragrance ofthe wine. In general, acidic and tannic wines, such as white wines andlight colored wines, are best tasted when poured onto the top, andpreferably the top center, of a taster's tongue, whereas fruity andsweet wines, such as red wines and dark colored wines, are best tastedwhen poured to the sides and under a taster's tongue. In the art of winetasting, it is also desirable to make the vessel of a clear material,such as glass or plastic, in order to view the color, consistency, age,strength, glycerin content, surface tension, and other features of thewine. It is also desirable to make the vessel of a material that doesnot affect the scent of the wine and that does not become discolored bythe wine.

Known wine tasting vessels are typically made of glass since glassimparts little or no odor to the wine. However, compared to plastic,glass is more expensive to manufacture, is a heavier material and thusbulkier and more costly to transport and ship, is more prone tobreakage, and is more difficult to stack for packaging and storage.

Plastic beverage vessels are known but such known beverage vessels aredeficient compared to the present invention. A known beverage vessel isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,725 to Edwards. This patent discloses astackable plastic vessel having in one version ribs that form a flutedconfiguration circumferentially at the top of the vessel. However, theribs are formed about the circumference of the container and aredesigned to facilitate the stacking of the vessel and are not designedfor aerating the beverage in the vessel. Providing ribs about the entirecircumference of the vessel increases the complexity of the vessel andincreases the costs of manufacturing the vessel. Moreover, such ribs arepositioned below the rim of the vessel rather than integrated into therim of the vessel, and there is no dome portion or platform portioninside the bottom of the vessel.

Another known plastic beverage vessel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,784,052 to Edwards. This patent discloses a stackable plastic vesselhaving in one version a cylindrical stacking means portion projectingupwardly inside the bottom of the vessel. However, the stacking meanshas an open top and is not designed to mix and measure the beverage inthe vessel. In addition, the vessel of this patent does not have a rimuniquely designed for aerating and tasting the beverage in the vessel.

Thus, these known vessels, as well as other known vessels, do notaddress or solve the problem of providing a beverage vessel having thefollowing unique features: a uniquely designed rim which includes one ormore portions for aerating a beverage to maximize the tasting of thebeverage, for directing a beverage to the top of a taster's tongue, andfor directing a beverage to the sides and under a taster's tongue; auniquely designed raised dome portion in the bottom of the vessel formeasuring the desired amount of beverage in the vessel for tasting; auniquely designed platform portion on the raised portion and a uniquelydesigned rib across from the platform portion, which together, maximizethe mixing of the beverage in the vessel; a magnifier panel on thevessel for maximizing the viewing of various characteristics of thebeverage prior to and during tasting; a textured panel for identifyingthe beverage and characteristics of the beverage; and various otherunique features.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved beverage tastingvessel which overcomes and avoids the problems associated with knownvessels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies all of these needs as well as provides aunique and nonobvious beverage tasting vessel. None of the known vesselsprovides all of the numerous advantages of the present invention.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a stackable beveragetasting vessel, preferably made of plastic, that can be used for tastingwines, coffees, teas, and other beverages.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that is preferably made of a clear plastic material thatis recyclable, that does not impart odor to the beverage, that minimizesor eliminates beverage discoloration of the vessel, that is dishwashersafe, and that is of a sufficient resiliency so as to prevent damage tothe vessel in transport, storage, and use.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that is economical and easy to manufacture and that isboth reusable and disposable.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that has a uniquely designed rim which includes aplurality of ridges formed on a curved portion of the rim, wherein upontasting of the beverage in the vessel, the ridges maximize the taste byaerating the beverage when an individual taster sucks in air along withthe beverage.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that has a uniquely designed rim which includes an anglededge portion formed on a straight portion of the rim, wherein upontasting of the beverage in the vessel, the angled edge portion directsthe beverage to the top of a taster's tongue. Preferably, this featureis used to maximize the tasting of tannic and acidic wines, such aswhite wines and light colored wines.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that has a uniquely designed rim which includes a curvedpouting lip portion formed on a curved portion of the rim, wherein upontasting of the beverage in the vessel, the curved pouting lip portiondirects the beverage to the sides and under a taster's tongue.Preferably, this feature is used to maximize the tasting of fruity andsweet wines, such as red wines and dark colored wines.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that has a uniquely designed raised portion inside thebottom of the vessel, preferably in the form of a dome or punt, formeasuring the desired amount of beverage in the vessel for tasting.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that has a uniquely designed platform portion on theraised portion and one or more uniquely designed ribs or fins acrossfrom the platform portion and attached to the interior wall of theglass. The ribs or fins, individually or together with the platform,maximize the stirring or mixing of the beverage in the vessel, and causethe bouquet or smell of the beverage to be opened while in the vessel.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that includes a collar stem at the base of the vessel forconvenient and easy handling of the vessel. The collar stem allows anindividual to hold the vessel by pinching the collar stem ring or base,thus preventing or minimizing the placement of the individual's fingersor fingerprints on the body of the vessel to allow an unobstructed andclear view of the contents in the vessel.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that includes a magnifier panel on a side portion of thevessel for maximizing the viewing and examination of variouscharacteristics of the beverage inside the vessel.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that may include a textured area on an exterior sideportion of the vessel. The textured portion is designed for writingthereon with a writing instrument, such as a pencil or pen.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beveragetasting vessel that may include a lid with or without a label.

The present invention is directed to a unitary vessel comprising abottom portion, preferably a collar stem, and a side wall extendingupwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion. The side wall terminatesin an open top having an outwardly extending rim. The rim comprises: (a)a curved portion with a plurality of radially extending ridges, (b) anangled edge portion, and (c) a curved pouting lip portion. The rim isdesigned for aerating and maximizing the tasting of a beverage in thevessel. Preferably, the radially extending ridges are of a size andshape to sufficiently aerate the beverage when it is tasted. Preferably,the angled edge portion is of a size and shape to direct the beverage,when tasted, to a top portion of a taster's tongue. Preferably, thecurved pouting lip portion is of a size and shape to direct thebeverage, when tasted, to the sides and under a taster's tongue.

The vessel further comprises a raised portion formed in the bottom ofthe vessel and projecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel, anda platform portion formed on a portion of the raised portion. The vesselfurther comprises at least one radially projecting rib integral with theinterior surface of the side wall and positioned opposite the platformportion. The raised portion is designed to measure a desired amount ofbeverage to be tasted. The platform portion and the rib are designed tomaximize the mixing of a liquid or beverage inside the vessel.

Preferably, the vessel is made of a plastic material, is stackable, andis adapted for use by an individual in tasting and consuming beverages,such as wine, coffee, and tea. The vessel may further comprise amagnifier panel on a portion of the side wall, the magnifier panel beingdesigned to magnify characteristics of the beverage poured into thevessel. The vessel may further comprise a textured panel on a portion ofthe side wall, the textured panel being designed for writing thereonwith a writing instrument. The vessel may further comprise a lid whichis adapted to fit around the exterior of the rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the beverage tasting vessel of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1 showing anotherversion of the vessel with a lid;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 5, taken alonglines 9—9 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 6, taken alonglines 10—10 of FIG. 6; and,

FIG. 11 is cross-sectional view of a pair of vessels such as shown inFIG. 1 to show the stacking arrangement of such vessels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a beverage tasting vessel designedfor use by an individual for tasting, examining, and consumingbeverages, such as wine, coffee, tea, and other beverages. The vessel isof a size and shape for aligning the vessel in a nested and stackedposition with a plurality of identical or similar vessels. The vessel ispreferably made of a clear plastic material that is recyclable,dishwasher safe, reusable, and sturdy. More preferably, the vessel iscomprised of a rigid, sturdy plastic material, such as polycarbonate,polystyrene, or macralon having a substantially uniform thickness. Thepreferred plastic material used with the present invention provides suchadvantages as lower manufacturing costs and simple fabrication. Inaddition, the preferred plastic material minimizes or prevents any odorof the plastic from being imparted to the beverage in the vessel,minimizes or prevents the discoloration or staining of the vessel by thebeverage in the vessel, and minimizes or prevents the breaking down ordisintegrating of the plastic material by the beverage in the vessel.However, it is contemplated that the vessel may be made of othersuitable materials, such as other suitable plastics or glass.

The vessel of the present invention is preferably made by blow moldingor injection molding. The vessel of the present invention preferably hasa volume capacity of from about 2 ounces to about 16 ounces. Morepreferably, one version of the vessel has a volume capacity of 4 ounces,and another version of the vessel has a volume capacity of 8 ounces.However, the vessel may also be of other suitable sizes.

FIG. 1 is front view of the beverage tasting vessel of the presentinvention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the vessel of FIG. 1. FIG. 3is a back view of the vessel of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side view ofthe vessel of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a top view of the vessel of FIG. 1. FIG.6 is a bottom view of the vessel of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective viewof the vessel of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7, the vessel 10 comprises a bottom portion 12preferably in the form of a hollow collar stem 14 designed for easyhandling and grasping by an individual holding the vessel at the bottom.The collar stem allows an individual to hold the vessel by pinching thecollar stem ring (pinch ring) or base (see FIGS. 9-10 to seecross-sectional view) such as pinching between the individual's thumband forefinger, thus preventing or minimizing the placement of theindividual's fingers or fingerprints on the body of the vessel. Byholding the vessel in this way, this allows an unobstructed and clearviewing and examination of the contents in the vessel to be achieved.The collar stem 14 has an exterior surface 16 and an interior surface 18(see FIG. 9). The thickness of the collar stem 14 is preferably fromabout {fraction (1/32)} inch to about {fraction (1/16)} inch. The outerdiameter of the collar stem 14 is preferably from about 1.5 inches toabout 2.0 inches. Although the collar stem 14 is preferred, the bottomof the cup may also be flat.

The vessel 10 further comprises a side wall 20 that extends upwardly andoutwardly from the bottom 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the side wall 20 hasan exterior surface 22 and an interior surface 24. Preferably, the sidewall 20 has a bottom curved portion 26 that curves outwardly from thecollar stem 14. The side wall 20 terminates in an open top 28 having anoutwardly extending rim 30. The side wall 20 is designed to allow aswirling action of the beverage to occur inside the vessel. Preferably,the height of the side wall from the bottom curved portion 26 to theopen top 28 is from about 2.5 inches to about 4.0 inches. As shown inFIG. 7, the rim 30 has an exterior surface 32 and an interior surface34. The outer diameter of the rim 30 is preferably from about 2.0 inchesto about 4.0 inches. As particularly shown in FIG. 9, the rim 30 isdivided into three portions comprising a curved, ridged portion 36, anangled edge portion 38, and a curved pouting lip portion 40.

The curved, ridged portion 36 is positioned along the rim 30 between theangled edge portion 38 and the pouting lip portion 40. As shown in theFIGS., the curved, ridged portion 36 comprises a plurality of radiallyextending aerating ridges 42. The aerating ridges 42 are of a uniquesize and shape to sufficiently aerate the beverage when the beverage istasted or sipped by an individual. Preferably, the total number ofaerating ridges 42 is from three to twelve. More preferably, the numberof aerating ridges 42 is eight. As shown in FIG. 7, each aerating ridge42 has a top end 44, a bottom end 46, and sides 48. Preferably, theshape of the ridges 42 is substantially triangular or sectional.However, other suitable shapes may also be contemplated. The ridges 42preferably project inwardly from the curved rim portion of the vessel.Preferably, the length of each ridge 42 from the bottom end 46 to thetop end 44 is from about ⅜ inch to about ½ inch. Preferably, the widthof each ridge 42 decreases gradually from the bottom end 46 to the topend 44. However, the width of each ridge 42 may also be uniform acrossthe length of the ridge. Preferably, the thickness of each ridge 42 isfrom about {fraction (3/32)} inch to about ⅛ inch. In between the ridges42 are spaces 50 which act as channels or canals for the beverage totravel to a taster's mouth when the beverage or liquid is tasted orsipped by an individual. Preferably, the width of each space 50 betweenaerating ridges 42 is from about {fraction (3/32)} inch wide to about ⅛inch wide. The aerating ridges 42 and spaces 50 are shaped and spaced insuch as way as to maximize the aeration of the beverage when it istasted or sipped. Aeration occurs when air and oxygen are ingested alongwith the beverage upon tasting. Aerating a beverage such as wine resultsin the wine mixing with oxygen and releasing more of its taste, as wellas causing the liquid to spray across the entire tongue and pallet ofthe mouth, engaging more of the taste buds of the tongue at one moment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the rim 30 further comprises an angled edgeportion 38. This angled edge portion 38 is substantially straight andhas a top portion 52 and a bottom portion 54. Preferably, the thicknessof the angled edge portion 38 is from about ⅜ inch to about ⅝ inch. Theangle formed between the exterior side wall 22 and the angled edgeportion 38 of the rim preferably measures from about 135 degrees toabout 160 degrees. The angled edge portion 38 is positioned along therim 30 between the ridged portion 36 and the pouting lip portion 40.Preferably, the angled edge portion 38 is formed along about one-thirdthe circumference of the vessel rim 30. However, the amount ofcircumference of the angled edge portion 38 can vary depending on thebeverage being tasted. The angled edge portion 38 is designed to directthe beverage, when it is tasted or sipped, to the top of the taster'stongue, and preferably to the top center of the taster's tongue. This isespecially advantageous when drinking acidic and tannic wines, such aswhite wines and lighter colored wines, as the taste of acidic and tannicwines are maximized when poured onto the top of a taster's tongue, andpreferably the top center of a taster's tongue. This allows thecharacteristic tastes of tannic and acidic, even bitter or dry wines, toengage the taster's tongue first and particularly engage the top of thetaster's tongue before the wine is ingested or swallowed.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the rim 30 further comprises a curved poutinglip portion 40. The pouting lip portion 40 is positioned along the rim30 between the angled edge portion 38 and the curved, ridged portion 36.This pouting lip portion 40 is substantially curved outwardly from therim and includes a top portion 56 and a bottom portion 58. The poutinglip portion 40 is preferably in the shape of a pouting lower lip on aperson or substantially in the shape of the circumference of apie-shaped piece or portion. Preferably, the thickness of the poutinglip portion 40 is from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch. Preferably, thepouting lip portion 40 is formed along about one-third the circumferenceof the vessel rim 30. However, this amount of circumference of thepouting lip portion 40 can vary depending on the beverage being tasted.The pouting lip portion 40 is designed to direct the beverage, when itis tasted or sipped, to the sides and under a taster's tongue. This isespecially advantageous when drinking fruity and sweet wines, such asred wines and darker colored wines, because the taste of fruity andsweet wines are maximized when poured onto the sides of and under ataster's tongue. The taste buds on the sides of and under the taster'stongue that respond to sweetness and complex fruity flavors will engagethe wine first and the initial taste and impression will enhance thetasting experience.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplatedthat the curved, ridged portion 36, the angled edge portion 38, and thepouting lip portion 40 are formed on separate one-third portions of therim of the vessel. However, in other embodiments of the presentinvention, the vessel may include one or more combinations of these rimportions 36, 38, 40.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vessel 10 further comprises a raisedportion 60 formed in the bottom 12 of the vessel and projecting upwardlyinto the interior of the vessel. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of thevessel of FIG. 5, taken along lines 9—9 of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 6, taken along lines 10—10 ofFIG. 6. Preferably, the raised portion 60 is substantially in the shapeof a dome or punt. The raised portion 60 may also be of other suitableshapes such as substantially rectangular. The raised portion 60 has atop end 62, a bottom end 64, and sides 66. The bottom end 64 is integralwith the interior surface 24 of the side wall 20. The top end 62 of theraised dome portion 60 is preferably spaced from the side wall 20 adistance of about ⅛ inch to about ⅜ inch. Preferably, the height of theraised portion 60 from the bottom end 64 to the top end 62 is from about0.5 inch to about 1.0 inch. Preferably, the width of the raised portion60 is from about 1.25 inches to about 1.75 inches. Preferably, thethickness of the raised portion 60 is from about {fraction (1/32)} inchto about {fraction (3/16)} inch.

The raised portion 60 is preferably designed to measure a predeterminedor selected amount of the beverage to be tasted or consumed and allowsan individual to control the portion tasted. The predetermined volume ofthe beverage to be tasted can be measured from the top end 62 of theraised portion 60 in the vessel. In one version of the presentinvention, the raised portion 60 may be of a height such that when thebeverage is poured to the top end 62 of the raised portion 60, thedesired amount of beverage for tasting in the vessel is ⅔ ounce involume. In another version of the present invention, the raised portion60 may be of a height such that when the beverage is poured to the topend 62 of the raised portion 60, the desired amount of beverage fortasting in the vessel is 1⅓ ounces in volume. The raised portion 60 inthe vessel of the present invention also allows an individual to betterview the color and pigmentation of wine when wine is inside the vessel.A meniscus, or clearer, thin portion, that forms at the top of the wineafter it is poured can also be seen when the wine is viewed through theside wall of the vessel. The meniscus of the wine gives an indication ofvarious characteristics of the wine, such as the age, strength, color,amount of glycerin, and consistency of the wine.

The vessel 10 further comprises a platform portion 68 (see FIG. 9)formed on an area of the top and side of the raised portion 60. Theplatform portion 68 is substantially flat and slightly raised on top andextends from about the center of the raised portion 60 to the side 66 ofthe raised portion and down side 66. Preferably, the platform portion 68forms a 90 degree angle with side 66 of the raised portion 60. Otherthan the angled, platform portion 68, the top and side of the raisedportion 60 is substantially curved. The platform portion 68 is of asuitable size and shape to enable the printing of words, a name, adesign, or a logo on the platform.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the vessel 10 further comprises at least onerib or fin 70, and if desired, a plurality of ribs or fins 70, thatprojects radially inwardly from the bottom interior surface 24 of theside wall 20 into the interior of the vessel 10. The rib 70 is spacedopposite the side of the platform 68 at a distance of from about ⅛ inchto about ½ inch. Preferably, the length of the rib 70 is from about ¾inch to about 1.0 inch. Preferably, the width of the rib 70 is fromabout {fraction (1/16)} inch to about ⅛ inch. Preferably, the thicknessof the rib 70 is from about {fraction (1/16)} inch to about ⅛ inch.

The platform portion 68, in conjunction with the rib 70, is designed tomaximize the swirling, mixing or agitating of the beverage inside thevessel. For example, when wine is swirled, mixed or agitated, thebouquet or fragrance of the wine is released for an individual to smellprior to tasting. The swirling of the beverage causes a slight venturieffect by compressing the beverage and causing subsequent expansion ofthe beverage after the beverage passes from the side wall to theplatform portion. In addition, the platform portion 68 in conjunctionwith the rib 70 is designed to minimize or eliminate the formation ofbubbles when a beverage such as wine is mixed or agitated in the vesselprior to tasting.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vessel 10 may further include a magnifier panel72 on a portion of the side wall 20. The magnifier panel 72 has a topend 74 and a bottom end 76. The magnifier panel 72 is of a desired size,shape, and magnification to maximize the viewing of the beverage orliquid inside the vessel 10. The magnifier panel 72 is preferably shapedas shown in FIG. 1. However, the magnifier panel 72 may also besubstantially oval in shape, round in shape, rectangular in shape, oranother suitable shape and size. Preferably, the magnifier panel 72 isdesigned to magnify features or characteristics of the beverage insidethe vessel 10, and preferably, the magnifier panel 72 has amagnification in the range of from about one to eight times the originalsize of the object being viewed. Preferably, the bottom end 76 of themagnifier panel 72 is spaced from the bottom of the collar stem 14 ofthe vessel a distance of from about 1.25 inches to about 3.0 inches.Preferably, the top end 74 of the magnifier panel 72 is spaced from thetop of the rim 30 a distance of from about 1.0 inch to about 1.25inches. The magnifier panel 72 is comprised of the same materialcomprising the vessel. The magnifier panel 72 preferably has a frenellpattern on its exterior surface of the same material comprising thevessel. When wine is poured into the vessel, the magnifier panel 72advantageously allows an individual to view various characteristics ofthe wine such as the pigment, age, surface tension, color, glycerincontent, how it folds together, the meniscus, and other characteristics.

The vessel may further include a textured or rough panel 78 on a portionof the side wall 20. As shown in the FIGS., preferably the texturedpanel 78 is positioned below and adjacent to the bottom end 76 of themagnifier panel 72. The textured panel 78 is of a desired size, shape,and texture designed for writing thereon with a writing instrument, suchas a pencil or pen. The textured panel 78 has a top end 80 and a bottomend 82. The textured panel 78 is preferably shaped as shown in FIG. 1.However, the textured panel 78 may also be substantially oval in shape,round in shape, square in shape, or another suitable shape and size.Preferably, the bottom end 82 of the textured panel 78 is spaced fromthe bottom of the collar stem 14 a distance of from about 1.0 inch toabout 2.0 inches. Preferably, the top end 80 of the textured panel 78 isspaced from the top of the rim 30 a distance of from about 1.0 inch toabout 2.0 inches. The textured panel 78 is preferably comprised of thesame material as the vessel. Preferably, the textured panel 78 has asurface texture similar to about a 600 grit sandpaper surface. However,other suitable surface textures may also be used. The textured panel 78is designed to allow an individual to easily write on the textured panel78 with a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and withoutinterfering with or obscuring the viewing of the beverage or liquidinside the vessel.

As shown in FIG. 8, a perspective view of another version of the vessel10 of the present invention includes a top lid 84. Preferably, the lid84 is adapted to fit around the exterior of the rim 30. The lid 84 mayhave an identifying label on its top surface that is attached to the lid84 by an adhesive material. One version of the lid 84 may comprise asnap-on type lid preferably made of a plastic material such as macralon.However, the snap-on type lid may also be comprised of other suitableplastics, metals, paper, cardboard, or other suitable materials. Anotherversion of the lid 84 may comprise an aluminum covering piece, alone orcovered with an attached label or paper. An oversized aluminum piece mayhave rigid edges that can fold over the rim 30 of the vessel or thatseal around the rim 30 of the vessel to secure the lid 84 over thevessel.

The vessel may further include embossed areas (not shown) on one or moreportions of the side wall of the vessel that comprise embossedcharacters, such as letters or words, for identifying the beverage orliquid that is to be tasted and examined inside the vessel. For example,when the vessel is used for tasting wine, the embossed areas may bepositioned underneath the various rim portions 36, 38, and 40, so as toidentify what portion of the rim 36, 38, 40 is to be used for tasting avarious colored wine or type of wine.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of vessels of the presentinvention to show the stacking arrangement of such vessels. When thevessels are stacked or nested as shown in FIG. 11, the bottom end of theraised portion 60 of the upper vessel will rest upon and engage the topend of the raised portion 60 of the lower vessel. The stacking ornesting arrangement minimizes jamming and unwanted side wallinterference between adjacent containers. Wine vessels with long stemsdo not allow large numbers of vessels to be stacked, transported orstored in compact spaces, such as store shelves. By removing the longstem and replacing it with the collar stem having a pinch ring, thevessel can be easily stacked, transported, and stored in compact spaces.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions ofthe invention are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claimsshould not be limited to the description of the preferred versionscontained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A unitary vessel comprising: a bottom portionhaving an interior surface and an exterior surface; a side wallextending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion, the side wallhaving an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the side wallterminating in an open top having an outwardly extending rim, whereinthe rim comprises: (a) a curved portion with a plurality of radiallyextending ridges, (b) an angled edge portion, and (c) a curved poutinglip portion; a raised portion formed in the bottom portion of the vesseland projecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel; a platformportion formed on the raised portion; and, at least one radiallyprojecting rib integral with the interior surface of the side wall andpositioned opposite the platform portion, wherein the platform portionand the rib are designed to maximize the mixing of a liquid inside thevessel.
 2. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the vessel is adapted for useby an individual for tasting, examining, and consuming liquids, whereinthe liquids are selected from the group comprising wine, tea, andcoffee.
 3. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the vessel is of a size andshape for aligning the vessel in a stacked and nested position with anidentical vessel.
 4. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the vessel comprisesa clear plastic material having a substantially uniform thickness, andwherein the plastic material is recyclable and sturdy.
 5. The vessel ofclaim 4 wherein the plastic material is selected from the groupcomprising polycarbonate, polystyrene, and macralon.
 6. The vessel ofclaim 1 wherein the vessel has a volume capacity in the range of fromone ounce to sixteen ounces.
 7. The vessel of claim 1 further comprisinga magnifier panel on a portion of the side wall, the magnifier panelhaving a magnification in the range of one to eight times the originalsize of the liquid and its contents being viewed.
 8. The vessel of claim1 further comprising a textured panel on a portion of the side wall, thetextured panel having a 600 grit surface and being designed for writingthereon with a writing instrument.
 9. The vessel of claim 1 furthercomprising a lid adapted to fit around the exterior of the rim.
 10. Thevessel of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion comprises a collar stemwith a hollow area for pinch holding by an individual.
 11. The vessel ofclaim 1 wherein the radially extending ridges on the rim are of a sizeand shape to sufficiently aerate a liquid when the liquid is tasted byan individual.
 12. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the angled edge portionon the rim is of a size and shape to direct a liquid to a top portion anindividual's tongue when the liquid is tasted.
 13. The vessel of claim 1wherein the curved pouting lip portion on the rim is of a size and shapeto direct a liquid to the sides of an individual's tongue and under anindividual's tongue when the liquid is tasted.
 14. The vessel of claim 1wherein the raised portion is substantially in the shape of a domehaving a top end and a bottom end, and wherein the top end of the raisedportion is designed to measure a selected volume of a liquid inside thevessel.
 15. A stackable plastic vessel adapted for use by an individualfor tasting and examining liquids, the vessel comprising: a bottomportion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the bottomportion forming a collar stem; a side wall extending upwardly andoutwardly from the bottom portion, the side wall having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface, and the side wall terminating in anopen top having an outwardly extending rim, wherein the rim comprises:(a) a curved portion with a plurality of radially extending ridges,wherein the radially extending ridges are of a size and shape tosufficiently aerate the liquid when the liquid is tasted; (b) an anglededge portion being of a size and shape to direct the liquid to a topportion of the individual's tongue when the liquid is tasted; and, (c) acurved pouting lip portion being of a size and shape to direct theliquid to a side and under the individual's tongue when the liquid istasted; a magnifier panel on a portion of the side wall, the magnifierpanel having a magnification of one to eight times the original size;and, a textured panel on a portion of the side wall, the textured panelhaving a 600 grit surface and being designed for writing thereon with awriting instrument.
 16. The vessel of claim 15 wherein the liquid iswine.
 17. The vessel of claim 15 wherein the plastic is selected fromthe group comprising polycarbonate, polystyrene, and macralon.
 18. Thevessel of claim 15 further comprising a lid adapted to fit around theexterior of the rim.
 19. A stackable, plastic beverage tasting vesselcomprising: a bottom portion forming a hollow, collar stem; a side wallextending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion, the side wallhaving an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the side wallterminating in an open top having an outwardly extending rim, whereinthe rim comprises a curved portion with a plurality of radiallyextending ridges adapted for aerating a beverage in the vessel prior totasting; a raised dome portion formed in the bottom of the vessel andprojecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel adapted formeasuring a desired amount of the beverage in the vessel; a platformportion formed on a portion of the raised dome portion; and, at leastone radially projecting rib integral with the interior surface of theside wall and positioned opposite the platform portion, wherein theplatform portion and the rib are adapted to maximize the mixing of thebeverage inside the vessel prior to tasting.
 20. The vessel of claim 19wherein the rim further comprises an angled edge portion and furthercomprises a curved pouting lip portion.